Back in 1990 General Motors started offering a head-up display (HUD) in the Pontiac Grand Prix, and within a few years the feature was available in a number of its products. Though other automakers including BMW have started offering the feature in recent years, for the most part the world has yet to take notice. I’d personally like to see HUDs in more cars.

An HUD works by projecting an image onto a special coating on the windshield. As the technology has developed, image quality has improved and the displayed information has expanded beyond vehicle speed to a tachometer, gear indicator, navigation system directions, and many other things. Though the image is projected onto the windshield, it’s engineered to appear to float over the leading edge of the hood.

The advantage of having the image floating over the hood is that there’s no need to look down or even refocus one’s eyes to read the instruments. I personally find this most useful when driving along a challenging curvy road. I want to keep my eyes on the road, but I also want to keep an eye on vehicle speed and engine speed, in case there’s a need to slow down or shift. An HUD permits both things to be done simultaneously. It may appear distracting in the photo, but even in my limited test drives it has quickly become intuitive.

In typical, relatively casual driving an HUD would be less beneficial, but being able to monitor important functions without looking away from the road still enhances safety and convenience. A further advantage I haven’t had a chance to check out: at night the instrument panel lighting can be turned off, which reduces eye strain.

BMW charges $1,000 for the feature, but that’s BMW for you. GM only charges $350, and no doubt this could come down further with volume. The main thing standing in the way? Likely awareness. Even though the feature has been available for nearly 17 years, few people are aware of it, and even fewer have driven a car equipped with it.